Long before the film there was the written word. Long before we settled down in
front of video or now DVD players for our fright-fests, we would read tales of 
terror by candlelight.
For most, this has been lost, however there are still those that prefer the pages
to celluloid or even both and why not?
This section then is for you. To help you to search through the rubbish and find
stories worth your time to read. If you're an avid reader of horror novels then
why not join 'Castle Dracula' as an official 'staff member' reviewing them.
To do so, just click on the 'Join My Staff' link in the menu to the left for 
details of this and other vacancies.

- Eyes of Prey -
- Barry Hoffman -

The sequel to "Hungry Eyes," "Eyes of Prey" is as sensational as the first, slightly 
longer and just as interesting.
'Lysette,' a young erotic dancer, has led a hard life. She witnessed the murder of 
her parents at a young age, and as an adult, has to deal with living in a city overrun 
with crime. But one night changed all that. After shooting a mugger from a burst of 
courage, she comes to believe her new mission in life is to become the "Nightwatcher" 
and with this label she begins to consider herself braver, bolder, and more brazen. 
'Lysette' begins a personal vendetta of sorts to defend herself against attackers. 
Take power for herself being the vulnerable victim no longer. Clean up the streets 
and put peace in her heart once again.
Soon the police are on the trail for a killer, but 'Shara' and 'Deidre' (from the 
first novel) are the only ones who can uncover the truth. This makes it a bit tough 
if 'Shara' finds she shares a certain connection with the new killer 'Lysette.' 
'Deidre' finds herself feeling left out of the deal, while pushing against several 
sides in her own life. What will be the outcome?
"Eyes of Prey" is intense, brutal, and tragic. It starts off strong and never lets 
up, being fierce and dramatic from start to finish. Hoffman's style is unique and 
clever. His words are creative but not overly complicated to where they become 
tiresome. Enthusiasm for his characters shine through. 
'Lysette' is someone enjoyable to read about; the revelations that came to her at 
the end were surprising. I felt for her tortures and much of it was sad beyond 
belief. In small ways she was written a bit shallow, but this can be forgiven since 
Hoffman had the two other major characters to focus on as well.
'Deidre' is back as in the first but more is delved into her personal life. She is 
still as interesting as she was from the "Hungry Eyes," yet a little more fleshed 
out. Hoffman does a great job of showing her life through small things, letting the 
reader get a personal impression for themselves.
'Shara' is back and the same but with different purposes. She's still as strong as 
ever but at times exasperated me, as I'm sure she did 'Deidra.'
In the end, "Eyes of Prey" is an excellent sequel to "Hungry Eyes." 
Both novels celebrate the psychological thriller sub-genre to remarkable levels. 
You really are in the minds of the characters, aching, hurting, needing, loving, 
wanting with them. 
One thing different about "Eyes of Prey" is that it has a little bit more emphasis 
on social commentaries than it’s predecessor, but this works out well and left 
this reader more than happy to stay on the edge of her seat. 

Reviewed By Erin Williams.

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